NOTE: In March, we will have a milonga on March 7 only.
EL CENTRO will be closed on Saturday, March 14 for floor repairs!
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Alicia Pons WORKSHOPS
March 7 and 8 - scroll down for details.
Alicia Pons and Robert Hauk give a demo in Seattle:
Bien Polenta!
Dancing tango with “oomph” and vitality
An ARGENTINE TANGO weekend intensive with
ALICIA PONS
of Buenos Aires
Throughout the weekend, Alicia will progressively build on fundamental concepts for creative and clear tango dancing. The weekend program is designed for all levels and, while we encourage dancers to take advantage of the full package, participants may also register for single classes.
BONUS: Portland’s Robert Hauk will be joining us to assist in the classes and to give a demonstration dance with Alicia at the EL CENTRO Milonga.
The package consists of six classes and entry to the EL CENTRO Milonga on Saturday and EL CENTRO Practica on Sunday. Now customary tradition, there will be a potluck dinner on Sunday before the Practica.
SATURDAY, March 7
Location: Edam, 303 East 8th Avenue (just east of Main St.)
1:00 pm— Body Language: Get your body ready to dance. Relax. Weight and balance. Weight changes. Invite your partner to dance through your body. The concept of “column” your column, your partner’s column. Embrace. Posture. Roles.
2:45 pm— Walking and connection: how we prouce and transmit movement. Flow/energy between dancing partners and between partners and the floor.
4:30 pm— Musicality: Listening to the rhythm. Listening to the melody. Tango, waltz and milonga.
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SATURDAY EVENING EVENT:
“EL CENTRO” Special Milonga – 9:30 pm to 1:30 am at the Academie Duello, 422 Richards Streeet, 2nd Floor (at W. Hastings St., Downton) -- featuring a performance by Alicia Pons and Robert Hauk of Portland. Included in the weekend package or $10/$7 students.
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SUNDAY, March 8
Location: Academie Duello, 422 Richards Street, 2nd Fl. (at W. Hastings St., Downtown)
1:00 pm— Slow and fast walks: Variations. Runs.
2:45 pm— Between step and step, tango happens: The seductive conversation between dance partners. Tango as an invitation, not as a demand: clear and smooth leading, light and elegant following. Use of these concepts in the cross.
4:30 pm— Tools for creativity in tango: Stops and suspensions. The concept of column and the music in your body. The “ocho cortado:” creative application of the concepts introduced over the weekend.
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SUNDAY EVENING EVENT:
“Sunday Open Practica” – Join us at EL CENTRO for a POTLUCK at 6:30 p.m., the practica starts at 7:30 p.m. (422 Richards Street, 2nd floor). Included in the weekend package or $8/$5 students. Bring a dish to add to the meal (cooked meats, salads, bread, cheese are always easy and welcomed). $50/10 visit passes also available.
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ABOUT ALICIA PONS
Alicia Pons is an elegant and accomplished dancer with refined technique and distinctive personality. Her ability to imbue the role of the woman with verve and style has made her one of the most sought after female partners in Buenos Aires milongas. And, she wows her tango partners here in the North America when she visits.
She is most noted for her foot play and sensual seduction, which are done with humor and decorum. She exemplifies presence in the dance, and this is a focus in her teaching for both men and women.
As a teacher, Alicia emphasizes the partners’ connection, and in particular the woman’s ability to not just follow, but to be an equal protagonist in the dance. She is a very warm and caring person who loves to share her knowledge.
Alicia was trained in classical dance from an early age and as a young woman performed in some of Buenos Aires’ most well known theaters, the Colon, the Coliseo, and the Alvear. Her introduction to tango came later, and her first teacher was Graciela Gonzalez, whose women’s technique has shaped her tango footwork. But Alicia gravitated toward the milonguero style and her first inspiration and male teacher in that style was Tete Rusconi, one of the most renowned milongueros of his generation.
She taught a number of years with Cacho Dante, with whom she has performed at the Teatro San Martin as part of the City of Buenos Aires tango festival. Alicia has been teaching both private and group classes on her own for the last few years; she has become a very popular visiting instructor on the U.S. Argentine tango workshop circuit.
Alicia’s teaching methods are grounded in her academic training. She holds a degree in Educational Science and Psychology, and she is currently an instructor for university level education students, in addition to her teaching, being a mother of two sons, and running her family real estate business.
PRICES:
$20 per workshop in advance/$25 at door. Advance prices available until March 5.
$125 weekend package (include 6 classes, EL CENTRO Milonga and the Sunday Practica) if purchased in advance.
Advance tickets must be paid in full by March 5. 30% discount with a valid student card.
Alicia is teaching privates on Mon., March 9 Tuesday, March 10. Partner required. Book early!
To register, email Emiko & Francis at estudiodetango@yahoo.ca or call 604-685-0034.
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Open Practica at EL CENTRO
Every SUNDAY, 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at Academie Duello, 422 Richards Street, 2nd Floor (at W. Hastings St., Downtown). $8 drop-in, $50 for 10 visits (no expiry, non-transferable), $5 students
Tango Lessons with Francis and Emiko -- February 2009
On WEDNESDAYS, we're teaching beginners and dancers of all levels who wish to refine their fundamental skills, at 8:15 pm to 9:45 pm. $18 drop-in/ $60 for 4-wk session. No partner required. NEW LOCATION: 237 East 4th Avenue (just east of Main Street).
On THURSDAYS (ongoing), we have a regular intermediate class at 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm at Edam Performing Arts Society, 303 East 8th Avenue (just east of Main). $18 drop-in/ $60 4-wk session. By invitation, please confirm in advance.
